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Father’s Day Gifts for Outdoorsy Dads

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Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, June 16th and it’s the perfect time to get your dad the outdoor gear he’s been dreaming of (or didn’t even know he needed). If the special guy in your life loves hiking, backpacking, or camping, we’ve got you covered with plenty of outdoor-inspired gift ideas your old man will dig.

And if you missed Mother’s Day, or just have a mom you love so much you want to celebrate her again, check out our gift guide for outdoorsy moms. If there’s a birthday or you’re just in a giving mood, we also have our classic Gift Guide, which we update regularly as we find new gear!

Small Gifts

YETI Rambler Tumbler

Anyone who loves hot (or cold) drinks will love the YETI Rambler travel mug. It’s made of stainless steel, so it’ll pretty much last a lifetime. Plus, it’s highly insulated, has a magnet-slider lid that’s easy to wash, and comes in a ton of colors so it’s easy to find one your dad will like.

Darn Tough Socks are super comfy, moisture-wicking, and durable. If you get a pair of Darn Toughs for Dad, he can send them in for replacements for life through the company’s unconditional lifetime guarantee! Read more about why we love these socks on our list of the Best Hiking Socks.

Darn Tough Light Hiker Socks
Meat Shredz - Premium Dried Pulled Pork

If your dad is a BBQ lover, introduce him to Meat Shredz. These convenient packets of dried pulled pork make excellent backcountry tacos, ramen, and more! Our favorite flavor is Sriracha because it pairs well with just about anything. We like to soak the meat with a little water to moisten it, then serve it with rehydrated refried beans and tortillas on the trail. So good!!

If your dad loves spice, the Yellowbird Hot Sauce Kit will put a smile on his face. The small containers are perfect for travel and all the flavors are delicious.

Yellowbird Hot Sauce Kit
TOAKS Long Spoon

If your dad is into freeze-dried meals for his adventures, give him a TOAKS Long Spoon. It’s stronger and lighter than most utensils, and it’ll save him from the dreaded saucy knuckles. It’s a small gift that’s sure to be truly appreciated.

Your dad will find a ton of uses for the Black Diamond’s Moji Lantern. It provides the perfect ambiance at the campsite and has adjustable brightness.

Black Diamond Moji Lantern
Inui 20,000 Battery Bank

Power banks are becoming essential for on-to-go dads who use their phones for GPS, photo and video, music, and more. Keep Dad’s electronics fully juiced with the Inui 20,000. It’s an awesome value and packs a punch of charging power for the weight. Check it out on our list of the Best Power Banks for Hiking.

The FlowFold Minimalist Wallet is the ultimate adventure wallet because it’s super lightweight, durable, and slim. It’s a big step up from the typical Ziploc bag backpackers and bikers often resort to!

FlowFold Minimalist Wallet
REI Fleece Gloves

Every dad could use a pair of REI’s Fleece Gloves. We dig them because they’re lightweight, warm, yet breathable, and they work well with phone screens. These gloves are versatile for outdoor sports and everyday use. Plus, they’re affordable — what’s not to love? See REI’s Fleece Gloves and more on our list of the Best Winter Gloves.

Hip packs are incredibly handy for carrying essentials while you’re out and about. Grab a Cotopaxi Bataan Fanny Pack for your dad so he can shed those cumbersome cargo pants and stop sitting on his wallet (it’s terrible for your back!) The Bataan is cool because each one is unique since it’s made from scrap fabric! It also has a large capacity for how light it is, and a great low price.

Cotopaxi Bataan Fanny Pack
Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 First Aid Kit

Sometimes the best gifts are essential items that you wouldn’t think to get for yourself. Send Dad off on his next adventure with the AMK Ultralight/Watertight .7 and he’ll be set to deal with minor injuries and illnesses on the trail. This kit is one of the most popular first-aid starter kits for hikers and backpackers since it’s small, compact, and affordable.

Whether your dad’s a backpacker, car camper, or frequent traveler, a little sleep system upgrade is probably in order. A packable pillow feels like a big luxury when you’re out in the wild, but the Trailmade Mummy Pillow is compact and super affordable. See how it stacks up on our list of the Best Camping & Backpacking Pillows.

REI Trailmade Pillow
AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

The AeroPress Go makes gourmet coffee quick and easy. Whether Dad’s at home or out adventuring (hunting, camping, RVing, etc.) he’ll love having the ability to brew a cup of joe or espresso in just a few seconds more than the time it takes to boil water (see Jetboil below). The AeroPress Go is lightweight, compact, and a snap to use. You can read more about it and compare it to the rest on our list of the Best Camping Coffee Makers.

Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat will save the backside of your dad’s favorite hiking pants, and offer a dry place to sit wherever he roams. This ultralight (2 oz.) gift will make a huge impact on your dad’s comfort during his next trip, but it won’t cost you much. See why we awarded it #1 on our Best Backpacking Chairs list.

Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat
Fire Starters

Fire starters make a great small gift for dads that have wood a stove, are into grilling, or love a good campfire. We like these pods from Superior Trading because they’re natural, so you can use them indoors and out. The bucket makes them easy to store and no gift wrap is needed.

Permethrin is an amazing product for bug protection in the woods. Gift a bottle to Dad, instruct him to spray his clothing pre-trip, and he’ll be protected for days… without toxic chemicals!

Permethrin Spray
State Parks & Forest Passes

Treat Dad to an annual recreational pass, so he won’t have to stop at the pay station on his next outing. He’ll think of you every time he visits his favorite park!

Mid-Range Gifts

Your dad will love the Petzl Actik Core Headlamp – It’s super user-friendly, bright, and comfortable which is why it earned the #1 spot on our list of the Best Headlamps. We also love the performance lighting feature that makes it so the headlamp doesn’t dim as the battery depletes.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
Leatherman Wave+

The Leatherman Wave+ is perfect for problem-solving dads. It has a knife, pliers, scissors, and a screwdriver — all in a streamlined package that fits in a pocket. The Wave+ is a worldwide bestselling multitool and our top pick on our list of the best multitools because of its excellent balance of quality and cost.

Encourage Pops to take more pictures of his adventures! The Fotopro Lightweight Phone Tripod is one of the few tripods we’ve found that weighs less than a pound and has extendable, 40-inch legs. The Fotopro is super compact, so it’s perfect for hiking and traveling! This tripod makes an affordable gift. If you’ve got a few more bucks to spend, include a Bluetooth remote and a packable lens cloth.

Fotopro Lightweight Phone Tripod
REI Flash Pack 22

If your pops could use a new daypack, give the Flash 22 a look. It’s light, packable, and super versatile so he can take it from town to trail. We appreciate the minimal, but smart organization features, and the Goldilocks size that’s not too big and not too small. The Flash 22 is one of the best options for light loads on our list of the Best Daypacks.

The Piscifun Fishing Backpack makes an awesome gift for angler dads. It will keep his tackle organized and convenient so he can be ready to roll with a few moments’ notice. The backpack design will keep your pops’ hands free while he hunts down the perfect eddie. We think he’ll appreciate the sunglasses case, dry storage for his phone, and water bottle holster too.

Piscifun Fishing Backpack
Tenkara USA Hane Fishing Rod

Tenkara is a simple method of fly fishing that originated in Japan. The rods are very compact since they extend, and are extremely lightweight, so they’re perfect for hikers and backpackers. Tenkara USA’s Hane Rod is fun and effective for catching mountain trout, and it only weighs 3.5 oz.!

Adult, male humans are made of about 60% water, and they should be drinking about 3.5 liters per day. That’s not easy if you aren’t proactive about it. So, if your old man is due for a drinking vessel upgrade, grab him a sleek, new YETI Rambler Water Bottle. This bottle is incredibly durable, and it insulates hot and cold beverages all day long! We also love the chug cap, which makes it easy to drink on the move without spilling a drop. Check out the Rambler on our list of the Best Water Bottles.

YETI Rambler Water Bottle
Stanley Classic Food Jar

This Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar from Stanley will make it easy for Dad to have hot drinks or hearty, warm meals when he’s away from home. We’ve been using our Food Jar for years to tote soups and stews to work and to the mountain on ski days, and it still looks brand new. We’re always amazed by how long this thermos keeps stuff hot!

Give the gift of safe hydration anywhere, anytime with the Katadyn BeFree. This filter is super small and only weighs 2.3 oz., so it’s great for quick grabs from natural sources when Dad’s running, hiking, fishing, boating, and everything in between. See how the BeFree compares on our list of the Best Water Filters.

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20

Dial Dad’s camp comfort up a notch with the handy and affordable GCI Outdoor Compact Camp Table 20. He can chillax in style with his book, phone, and beverage safely off of the ground and within arm’s reach. We like the Compact so much that we named it the best side table on our list of the Best Camping Tables.

The Flexlite Chair has a great balance of weight and comfort so it can be used from the backyard to the backcountry. Check out more about these chairs on our Best Camping Chairs and Best Backpacking Chairs lists.

REI Flexlite Chair
Lodge Dutch Oven Combo Cooker

A cast iron pan is incredibly versatile in the kitchen and excellent for cooking over a campfire. We like the Lodge Dutch Oven Combo Cooker because it covers all of our bases in camp with a deep pot for soups and stews and a frying pan that doubles as a lid. Your dad will love how it disperses heat evenly for searing and frying. And cast iron gets better with age, so he can pass it down to the grandkids someday. See why the Combo Cooker made our list of the Best Camping Cookware.

The Lodge Griddle is a great option for dad’s that frequently cook for a group. It has a smooth side for things like eggs and pancakes and a ribbed side for those perfect grill marks. This bad boy comes pre-seasoned, so Dad can fire it up as soon as he finishes unwrapping.

Lodge Griddle
Bernzomatic TS4000 Trigger Start Torch

Bernzomatic Torch is the ultimate gift for fire lovers. The head screws onto propane and MAP gas bottles and can be used to quickly get wood fires rip-roaring, finish steaks, and more.

Does your dad need convenient hot water in remote locations? If so, he needs the Jetboil Flash. It heats a liter of water for hot meals and beverages in mere minutes and has earned a spot on our Best Backpacking Stoves list.

Jetboil Flash
Nikon Trailblazer ATB Binoculars

If your dad is into wildlife watching, sports, or travel, a pair of lightweight binoculars like the Nikon Trailblazer ATB will make his day. The Trailblazers are very compact so they easily slip into a day pack, and they only weigh 9.9 oz. so they won’t weigh Dad down.

It’s almost summer, so sandals would make a timely and practical gift. The Chaco Z/1 Classic are some of our all-time favorite hiking sandals because they’re so supportive and comfortable. Your dad will get a ton of use out of them because they’re super durable, and they’re adjustable so he can dial in the perfect fit.

Chaco Z/1 Classic
HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides

We highly recommend the HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides for athletic dads or anyone that needs relief for achy feet and joints. Like an anti-fatigue mat, the highly-cushioned soles make prolonged periods of standing a lot more comfortable. We wear them a lot in the kitchen and for working at a standing desk, but they’re also awesome for the pool, short walks, etc. Read more about the ORAs on our list of the Best Camp Shoes.

If your dad hunts or camps in remote locations, he should have a well-stocked first aid kit, like the HART Extended, in basecamp. This comprehensive kit will prepare him to treat a wide range of injuries and illnesses in the field. Plus, it’s super organized and comes with a wallet-size kit he can carry on day trips. Read more about this kit and others on our list of the Best First Aid Kits.

HART Outdoor Extended First-Aid Kit

Big Gifts

Benchmade Bugout Knife

Pocket knives are extremely useful and we’ve found that the Benchmade Bugout 535 excels in many ways. It’s exceptionally lightweight with its plastic grips and has a very sharp plain-edge blade made with premium steel. The Bugout is slim in the pocket and super handy for everything from the camp kitchen to everyday carry. We named it the best ultralight knife on our Best Pocket Knives list.

The Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler has a cool, retro vibe, and is the perfect size for weekend trips. This cooler beat out a lot of the rotomolded options on our Best Coolers list because it has low-profile walls so there’s plenty of space inside for the good stuff, and it isn’t unnecessarily heavy and bulky to lug. We love the durable, metal exterior too since it works great as a seat, side table, or step stool around camp.

Coleman Steel-Belted Cooler
YETI Trailhead Camp Chair

If you really want to treat your dad this year, get him a YETI Trailhead Camp Chair. It’s supportive, yet soft and springy and holds your body in a relaxed, upright position. The Trailhead Chair is spendy, but it’s definitely worth it! We named it the most comfortable and durable camp chair on our Camping Chair Gear Guide.

The NEMO Stargaze provides unrivaled comfort and will allow your dad to float, rock, and recline in the backyard, riverside park, or at his favorite music venue. It also folds into a small case so it’s super portable and won’t take up a ton of space in his trunk.

NEMO Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair
Kelty Low Loveseat

If your dad is more of a couch guy but he loves the outdoors, introduce him to the Kelty Low Loveseat. It sits two adults comfortably and will accommodate a little or two (or dog) as well. The case also doubles as a mat or firewood hauler in camp. The Low Loveseat is so versatile that it’s become one of our favorite camping chairs.

If your dad’s usually the camp cook, he’ll love the Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen. It has a worktop, shelves, a side table, and even an enclosed storage area to keep things organized. The best part — the Roll Top Kitchen packs down small and is lightweight for easy transport — some of the reasons it earned a spot on our list of the Best Camping Tables.

Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen
Camp Chef Everest 2x Stove

The Camp Chef Everest 2x Stove is our top camping stove pick because it has twice the BTUs of a typical 2-burner stove, and it has exceptional heat control that can be fine-tuned while cooking. The Everest is also pretty lightweight and compact so it’s easy to pack.

FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine is essential for outdoor dads. He can use it to store fish and game, infuse meals with marinade, preserve food long-term, and more! We like to use our vacuum sealer to make our own backpacking meals.

FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine
Solo Stove Bonfire

Love campfires but hate the smoke? Try the Solo Stove Bonfire. It provides a nearly smokeless campfire that’s safe, portable, and easy to clean up. The flames this fire pit creates through gasification are captivating to watch, and will quickly become the center of attention in camp. Give Dad the gift of warmth, relaxation, and many great conversations with friends and family. Check out our review of Solo Stoves here.

If your dad’s a reader, the Kindle Paperwhite may be the perfect Father’s Day gift. It’s gentle on the eyes and will allow him to take as many books as he’d like on trips without the bulk and weight.

Kindle Paperwhite E-Reader
YETI Hopper Flip Soft Cooler

Food, drinks, and the great outdoors are the great trifecta. Give Dad the YETI Hopper Flip Soft Cooler and he’ll be picnicking and enjoying chilled beverages ‘til the end of his days. This cooler is spendy, but it’s rugged, stylish, and has excellent ice retention. Compare the Hopper with other soft coolers here.

The IceMule BOSS is our favorite backpack cooler for activities on or near the water. It’s comfortable to carry thanks to the well-padded backpack straps and hipbelt, and it can retain ice for days! The BOSS is also 100% waterproof and it floats, so it’s awesome for dads who love paddling, fishing, or the beach. Learn more about the Boss on our list of the Best Coolers.

IceMule BOSS Waterproof Backpack Cooler
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

Give Dad (and the peeps back at home) peace of mind with the Garmin inReach Mini 2. This state-of-the-art communication tool is small, lightweight, and it can communicate back and forth much like texting in the backcountry.

If your dad’s active, your can’t go wrong with gifting a GPS watch to help him monitor workouts, track habits, navigate while hiking, etc. These watches are somewhat tailed to the activities you partake in so you’ll probably appreciate our detailed list of the Best GPS Watches when choosing a watch for your dad.

GPS Watch
Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket

If your dad doesn’t have a down jacket yet, he definitely needs one! The Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket comes in a ton of colors, and the quality and warmth are also exceptionally great for the price. Every layering system should include a puffy, which is why the Fuego has a top spot on our list of the Best Down Jackets.

Rain jackets don’t last forever and there’s a good chance your dad could use an upgrade. The stylish and protective Patagonia Torrentshell is high-quality and offers the appeal of a premium jacket at an accessible price. This jacket is our top pick from our list of the Best Rain Jackets.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pads

If you’re lucky enough to have a dad that backpacks, make sure he’s comfortable at the end of a big-mile day. The latest NeoAir sleeping pads are an awesome addition to any hiker’s setup. The UberLite is the ultimate ultralight summer pad, while the XLite NXT is more well-rounded for multi-season adventures. The XTherm NXT is our top pick for cold sleepers and four-season trips. Get more details on these gems by visiting our Best Sleeping Pads list.

Give Dad the gift of a comfy sprawl in his tent at then end of a long day outdoors on the Exped MegaMat 10 LXW (or double MegaMat Duo 10) camping mattress. This pad is self-inflating and four inches thick, so pops won’t feel run aground when moving about. The MegaMat is fast to inflate and has a great ratio of comfort to packability, which is why it’s our #1 pick on our list of the Best Camping Mattresses.

Exped MegaMat 10 LXW Camping Mattress
REI Magma Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag is a big gift, but we’re willing to bet Dad deserves it! A sleeping bag like the REI Magma 15 or Magma 30 will keep him snug on trips in all seasons for years to come. These sleeping bags have an awesome combo of weight, warmth, and cost that is hard to beat, so you’ll find them at the top of our Best Sleeping Bags list.

There’s not an outdoorsy dad out there who wouldn’t love a fresh pair of shoes, a new jacket, or an updated piece of gear.

Let dad pick his own size and color by giving an REI gift card.

To make the gift more personal, include a hand-written note and suggest something specific – “We love how dedicated you are to running. Treat your feet to a comfy, new pair of sneaks on us!”

Want More Gift Ideas?

It feels good to give the gift of outdoor adventure!

If you haven’t had enough yet, we have over 100 gift ideas for Dad and all your nature-loving peeps on our CleverHiker Gift Guide. We update it frequently and add new items that your friends and family are going to love as we discover them!